Rail track maintenance worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You might find it useful to take an engineering qualification at college before looking for work as a trainee.

Courses include:

• engineering operations
• mechanical engineering
• maintenance engineering technology

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Rail Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You can find apprenticeships with companies like Network Rail and Transport for London.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

If you're over 18, you could look for rail track maintenance worker vacancies. You'll usually start as a trainee.

You'll find it useful to have:

• experience of manual work in a related role like construction or engineering
• GCSEs including English and maths

Further information

You can find out more about working in rail engineering from:

• Network Rail
• Routes into Rail
• Transport for London

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• problem-solving skills
• leadership skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of maths
• thinking and reasoning skills
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• concentration skills
• sensitivity and understanding

What you'll do:

Rail track maintenance workers inspect and repair railway tracks, bridges, tunnels and viaducts.

As a rail track maintenance worker, you would:

• lay and repair railway tracks, sleepers and ballast
• inspect track condition and check for defects
• maintain tunnels, embankments, bridges and drainage
• clear obstacles after bad weather and report incidents
• follow strict safety rules

Location : You could work on rail tracks.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £43,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 47 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could be promoted to team supervisor or team leader.

With further training, you could become:

• an engineering technician
• a track inspector or project manager
• an engineering surveyor or track designer